The must-see attractions that should be on your to-do list!
Why Northumberland is an underrated gem…
Looking to discover the best places to visit in Northumberland? You might not know where to begin, as Northumberland has flown a little under the radar as a travel destination. It’s often overlooked in favour of tried-and-tested attractions such as the Lake District. Its other close neighbour, Scotland, and the famous NC500 route, is well-known as a big draw for road trippers. However, if you’re a keen traveller and you haven’t yet explored Northumberland, you are missing out!
The best places to visit in Northumberland
From vast rugged landscapes to gentle rolling hills, and peaceful beaches to imposing castles, Northumberland has it all. It’s a truly magical place! Its wild and unspoilt beauty makes it even more special. Here are just seven of the best places to visit in Northumberland…
HADRIAN’S WALL
If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you absolutely must visit Hadrian’s Wall. The Ice Wall in George R. R. Martin’s fantasy epic was directly inspired by this UNESCO World Heritage Site! Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall was built by the Roman army on the orders of the emperor Hadrian following his visit to Britain in AD 122. There are over 20 dedicated sites along the wall, from museums to the remains of forts, towers and towns. The views along the wall are spectacular as it cuts through lovely unspoilt countryside. There’s a path running along the entire length of the wall. While it also extends into Cumbria and Tyne & Wear, the most scenic sections of the wall are in Northumberland!
KIELDER WATER & FOREST PARK
A gem of an attraction featuring England’s largest forest and the biggest man-made lake in all of northern Europe! Kielder Water & Forest Park is perfect for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. It’s also a great spot for stargazing, as it’s considered one of the best Dark Sky zones in England. Once you’ve had your fill of woodland walks, you’ll find the Kielder Bird of Prey Centre within the lakeside surroundings of Kielder Water. The centre has one of the largest collections of birds of prey in the north of England. It’s the perfect place to get up close and personal with owls, eagles and hawks!
BAMBURGH CASTLE & BEACH
The award-winning Bamburgh Castle is another of the best places to visit in Northumberland. Here you can discover over 3,000 years of incredible history while enjoying stunning views and the freshest sea air. Visitors can explore the fortress and see historic treasures. If you are a fan of TV series The Last Kingdom, you might recognise the castle, which was used as a filming location! The scenic beach here is perfect for a windswept walk, and if you’re feeling brave, you might even take a dip in the sea! If you head north along the beach, you’ll come across Stag Rock where you’ll find some rock pools to explore and the Bamburgh Lighthouse.
EMBLETON BAY
Part of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Embleton Bay is another must-see. This beautiful unspoilt beach with golden sand is overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Bring your camera with you as it’s endlessly photogenic here – the castle makes a brilliant backdrop! Embleton Bay was once voted the best UK beach by BBC’s Countryfile Magazine readers and it’s easy to see why. It’s a hidden gem so you won’t find the usual beach attractions like cafes or fun fairs. Instead, it’s perfect for a scenic coastal walk and enjoying nature in all its glory.
ALNWICK CASTLE
Another of the best places to visit in Northumberland is Alnwick Castle, where Harry Potter learned to fly a broomstick! The 11th century Grade I listed castle was used as a filming location for the first two Harry Potter movies. It’s rich in historic grandeur, having been the home of the Dukes of Northumberland for over 700 years. The castle, which closes during the winter, holds special events and performances, as well as guided tours for visitors. You can try your hand at archery or even learn to “fly” a broomstick in the very spot where Harry Potter first took to the skies!
DRURIDGE BAY BEACH
Another stunning beach, Druridge Bay runs for seven miles along the Northumberland coastline, from the town of Amble to Cresswell. It’s dog-friendly and popular with visitors due to its golden sands and rich wildlife. If you’re a history buff, look out for the remains of pill boxes and anti-tank blocks hiding in the dunes. These are remnants of defences from World War Two. The beach is perfect for witnessing some magical sunsets and sunrises. Parking is available at the Druridge Bay Country Park, which has a large freshwater lake and vast woodland to explore.
CRAGSIDE
A National Trust property is the final attraction on our list of the best places to visit in Northumberland. What makes Cragside unique is it was the first house in the world to be powered by hydro-electricity! It was owned by Victorian inventor, Lord Armstrong and his wife Lady Maragaret, a keen gardener. The pair filled Cragside with gadgets ahead of their time and the estate remains powered by hydro-electricity and hydraulics. There are stunning grounds to explore here – and even better, it’s dog-friendly. There are 40 miles of footpaths across the 1,000-acre estate, making it a perfect day out for families and four-legged friends!
Want to read more?
For the ultimate guide to the best places to visit in Northumberland, check out my guidebook, published by No Fuss Travel Guides. Road Trip Northumberland covers all the must-see attractions in England’s northernmost county. What’s more, the book also covers Durham, The North Pennines and Tyne & Wear! So if you’re heading out to the North East, this guidebook will be your invaluable companion! It’s packed with travel tips and hacks, suggested itineraries, points of interest, café recommendations, and details of where to stay. Happy exploring!
